摘要：We have proposed a framework for transforming landscapes to improve performance byintegrating ecological principles into landscape design. This effort would focus on the development ofmultifunctional landscapes, guided by the rapidly growing knowledge base of ecosystem services providedby landscape features. Although the conventional approach to landscape ecology is based on a model thatassumes poor ecological quality in the human-dominated matrix, a review of recent literature revealsimportant opportunities to improve the quality of the landscape matrix by increasing spatial heterogeneitythrough the addition of seminatural landscape elements designed to provide multiple ecosystem services.Taken alone, these individual elements might not appear to have a large impact on the environment, butwhen considered together within the entire landscape, the contribution could be significant, particularlywhen these elements are intentionally designed to improve landscape performance. Previous attention hasfocused on the value of large patches of native vegetation for conservation efforts. These efforts haveincluded preserving those areas that still remain, restoring those that once existed, and providingconnectivity between them. But great opportunities exist to improve the quality of the matrix by designingmultifunctional elements throughout the landscape. Through a synthesis of knowledge in landscapearchitecture and landscape ecology, we have demonstrated some important applications of the landscapeperformance framework in urban and agricultural settings. Based on a review of the literature, we havesuggested several methods of evaluating and monitoring landscape performance to determine the relativesuccess of a designed landscape
